Touching tribute to great granda with Carrickfergus Castle wedding

The great grandson of Carrickfergus Castle's first caretaker is to honour his great grandfather by marrying his fiancee in the castle this month.
Gary and Jenny Rose.Gary and Jenny Rose.
Gary and Jenny Rose.

Gary Broad (33) of Greenisland will marry Jenny Rose Sibbaluca, from the Philippines, in the Grand Hall of the castle on Sunday, September 23.

Gary’s great grandfather Ernie Broad retired from his caretaker role at the local landmark 62 years ago.

Ernie was appointed caretaker of the castle when the Norman fortress came under state care in 1928.

Ernie Broad.Ernie Broad.
Ernie Broad.

The English-born guide remained in this position for almost 30 years. It is estimated that he showed approximately 15,000 tourists around the site each year.

Gary said: “Although I obviously have never met my great grandfather, Ernie Broad, I have read a lot about him and am very proud of all the work he did as the first caretaker of the castle when it opened to the public for the first time back in 1928.

“He was a larger than life character, with a great sense of humour and he was very popular with all those he guided around the castle.

“I am so pleased that Jenny Rose and I can take our wedding vows in the place that my great grandfather lived and worked in for 26 years.”

Their wedding will be the last event at the venue before work begins on the new roof for the Castle Keep.